The sage of Prayaga who sheltered Rama at the start of the exile and hosted Bharata's army.
Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Valmiki Ramayana, with other tellings (Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas), Regional and folk traditions) noted where relevant.
Introduction
Bharadwaja is a sage whose hermitage lay at Prayaga, where the Ganga and Yamuna meet. He is traditionally said to be a son of Brihaspati.
Family
Sheltering Rama
Rama, Sita and Lakshmana stayed with him for a night on the way to Chitrakuta, and he advised them where to settle.
Hosting Bharata
When Bharata arrived with his army on the way to see Rama, Bharadwaja gave the whole company a hospitable feast, through his spiritual power.
This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above.
Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.